How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?

"How much does a kitchen remodel cost?" If you’re looking for that answer, you have come to the right place. From small kitchen remodels to deluxe kitchen renovation projects, all costs below must be considered and analyzed before embarking on a kitchen remodeling project.

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most effective ways to raise the overall value of a home before selling or give your home a face-lift. The cost of remodeling a kitchen can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your project, with the national average coming in around $17,000, with most homeowners spending between $12,000 and $21,000. This guide can help estimate your costs and give you a starting point for various upgrades and services.

Where Will Your Kitchen Budget Go?

Before you budget, you must decide what you want to remodel. Some homeowners don’t have the budget or time to completely remodel the entire kitchen. As such, you have to pick and choose your additions. Remember, the smallest details can sometimes make the biggest difference. Refacing your kitchen cabinets or replacing your kitchen hardware can oftentimes have as big an effect as large kitchen renovation projects.

Nonetheless, if you you’ve reviewed our average kitchen remodeling costs above, you’ll want to know where every dollar is going. While every kitchen renovation project is different, common trends have emerged over the years. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, kitchen remodeling costs break down as follows:

Remember that the above numbers are averages. Just because most homeowners spend nearly 30% of their budget on cabinetry and hardware, that doesn’t mean you have to as well. If you think your floors are in really bad shape, spend more there. Even if you’re completely renovating your kitchen, you must spend and distribute your budget wisely. To ensure you’re putting your money where it needs to be, continue reading below.

Small Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $1,000 - $12,000

While many of the prices above may seem intimidating, know that all include professional installation or repair. If you’re working with a small kitchen, expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000 on your kitchen renovation. Nonetheless, whether you’re working with a small or big kitchen, the best way to cut costs is to DIY.

If you have to hire a pro and still want to limit your kitchen remodeling costs, focus on smaller ticket items like cabinet repairs, hardware changes, the faucet or smaller appliances. See their costs below:

Cabinet Repairs: Even durable cabinets become damaged over time. Whether it’s the kids horsing around or an adult slamming one too hard, cabinets need repairs every so often. Luckily, the average cost of cabinet repair is only $364.

Hardware Updates: Hardware is often referred to as the jewelry of the cabinetry. Luckily, certain styles and types of hardware are cheap, but can still transform the look and feel of any kitchen. Just know that a typical kitchen can have anywhere between 20-40 knobs and pulls. Remember, the cheaper items will not last as long as the more expensive purchases.

Faucet Installation: Believe it or not, installing a kitchen sink is not expensive, with the average coming in at $250. If you have recently updated your kitchen and didn’t touch the faucet, chances are, your old sink does not mesh well with the new design. Given its low cost, there’s no reason to put it off any longer.

Replace Appliances: There are millions of kitchen appliances out there, which means there is the right fridge, stove or dishwasher for every kitchen and its remodeling budget. The average cost of having an appliance installed in the kitchen is $471.

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $12,000 - $20,000

Those homeowners willing to spend between $12,000 and $20,000 can afford a few high-end finishes as well as not worry about completing the project yourself. While finding your own materials or helping out your pro will certainly decrease your total cost, a mid-range kitchen remodel can be completed without your assistance.

If you have the money, start off by replacing old or inexpensive counter materials, such as laminate. Granite and corian are popular choices, but Quartz, while pricey, has been dominating the kitchen counter industry for the last few years and we don’t see that trend going away anytime soon.

Additionally, you also have the budget to repaint the kitchen if you wish. If you want your kitchen to look bigger, go with white or other bright colors. An all-white kitchen can create an illusion of roominess, as it offers a seamless transition from walls to floors.

Finally, in addition to all projects discussed below, you should consider installing energy-efficient lighting in the ceiling and under the cabinet. Their upfront costs may be more, but they’ll certainly last and help the environment.

High-End Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $20,000+

Once you get beyond $20,000, your wish list is almost endless (without going crazy). After replacing all counters and refacing or installing new cabinets, focus on the flooring, backsplash and island. If you don’t have a kitchen island, go out and find a kitchen pro to add one right away. They are becoming a staple in kitchens across the country. They not only add a new and improved design feature, but also improves your storage and expands your seating.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors

Besides the budget, cost of materials and price to hire a pro, there are other factors that greatly affect your total kitchen renovation cost. Return on investment (ROI) is key with not only kitchen remodels, but any remodel throughout the house. Furthermore, your general taste, how long you plan on living in the home and general kitchen remodeling trends can all increase or decrease your total kitchen renovation cost.

Budget

The No. 1 component of any kitchen remodel is your budget. If you don’t have the money, you can’t spend it. It’s imperative that all homeowners know exactly how much you can and can’t spend on a kitchen remodel. Those who don’t set a budget almost always go over and spend way more than they originally intended.

Like any renovation project, always have a contingency budget. Surprises can and will happen when you open up the walls, floors or other components you can’t see before the remodel begins.

Cost of Materials

Even if you DIY the entire kitchen, you still have to pay for the raw materials. Their overall costs will depend on your budget and style. As previously discussed, there is a wide range of prices for all counters, cabinets, flooring types and so on. For example, laminate counters start at $25/sf, while engineered quartz counters start at $38/sf.

Price to Hire A Pro

Most kitchen renovations are not simple and as such, many homeowners opt to hire a pro. Well, no one works for free and that expert labor will add to your total costs. For mid-range or high-end kitchen remodels, expect 25% of your total budget to go towards labor.

ROI

ROI should always be in the back of your mind throughout your renovation. Unless you plan to live in your house for the rest of your life or longer than 20 years, your potential ROI will affect your total renovation cost.

Sadly, most home remodeling projects do not return 100% of your investment. In fact, according to Remodeling’s 2017 Cost Vs. Value report, only one project will return a positive investment (attic insulation). Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean you should skip all remodeling projects. After all, if you plan to live in your house for another 10 years, you will enjoy those long overdue upgrades. You’ll get a higher sale price down the line and a higher quality of life living with a remodeled kitchen.

Longevity

Speaking of sale price, your expected date of sale has an effect on your total cost. Like I said above, if you plan on living in the home for a long time, don’t be afraid to splurge. After all, this is your kitchen, one of the most trafficked rooms in any house. However, if you plan on selling your house in the near future, say less than three years after the remodel, don’t go crazy with your kitchen renovation.

According to HomeAdvsior, you should spend between 5% and 15% of your home's total value on your kitchen remodel if you plan to sell your home in the near future. This is the optimum range to spend and expect to recoup during a home's resale.

Personal Tastes

Additionally, personal taste will increase or decrease the total cost of your kitchen remodel. Some of us have expensive taste while others are content with inexpensive solutions such as laminate counters or plain white walls. Furthermore, as time moves on, more and more homeowners are opting for modern touches, which of course come with a higher price tag. Traditional kitchens are still very popular, but they also tend to be less expensive than modern designs. Needless to say, whether it’s the counters, appliances, dishwasher or cabinets, your personal taste will alter your kitchen renovation cost.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends

Finally, kitchen trends can make or break your kitchen remodeling budget. Going back to simple economics, as demand goes up, so does the price. Therefore, when certain materials are trending, such as quartz counters, those prices go up. After all, if you can expect more in return the day you sell, you should expect a higher upfront cost.

Common Kitchen Projects

Countertops

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the countertops might be called the heart of the kitchen. Therefore, as you can tell above, it’s one of the most popular kitchen remodeling projects. The average cost of having new countertops installed is $3,401, but it's important to realize how much this can vary from project to project. The price will depend on the size of your kitchen, the simplicity of the layout and the materials used.

Tile and laminate countertops are the cheapest option, but beware, laminate is the easiest material to chip and is not very durable. As you move up the chain, price and longevity increase. Below are the average kitchen countertop prices for the most popular counters:

Cabinets

Worn down cabinets stand out like a sore thumb. Whether it’s scratched paint, lose handles or chipped corners, old cabinets should be one of the first considerations of your kitchen remodel.

Fortunately, unlike your counters, there are plenty of remodeling tactics to choose from. For kitchen cabinets, you can install new, replace, refinish or repair your cabinets. The prices vary as on the amount of work and number of cabinets being altered.

Furthermore, there are different cabinet prices depending on the style and location:

Flooring

The third wheel of the kitchen tricycle is the flooring. After the counters, cabinets and flooring, the rest of the kitchen remodel gets easy. Nevertheless, flooring will not come fast or cheap.

Traditionally, tile was the No. 1 option for all kitchens. It didn’t matter if you wanted a traditional or contemporary design, tile was the source. However, as we mentioned above, hardwood flooring has certainly come around over the years. While it can be expensive, hardwood offers a modern, yet rustic touch to the heart of the home.

Fortunately, even if you don’t like wood, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to kitchen flooring. Most tiles start at $5/sf, while hardwood begins at $6/sf. The prices go up from there, all the way to $50/sf for stone. More prices below:

Appliances

With the three big players out of the way, we can focus on the smaller items that can still make or break a kitchen remodeling budget.

Refrigerator Installation Cost

As is the case with many of the appliances below, your overall price will largely depend on the product you buy. We have seen refrigerator installation go as low as $200, but as high as $5,000. Nonetheless, according to Homewyse, the average price to install a new refrigerator is roughly $1,200. This price includes labor, site preparation, delivery and clean up.

Before your refrigerator pro comes knocking, there are a few precautionary steps you can take to ensure all installation goes smoothly:

Measure the delivery path and new appliance area to make sure that your refrigerator will fit through the doors and hallways.

Verify your existing electrical and water connections.

Clear the path to the final spot as much as possible.

Oven/Stove Installation Cost

More often than not, we keep food cold until it comes time to cook. In order to make that famous lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, you need a reliable oven/stove combo. Like many other kitchen appliances, the oven and stove have come a long way. While stainless steel is undoubtedly preferred materials nowadays, appliance manufacturers are creating updated versions every single day.

Nevertheless, according to Homewyse, most oven/stove combos cost $3,100 to install. We have seen prices as low as $2,700 and as high as $4,000. This price includes removal of old items, delivery, setup, installation and cleanup.

Before your double oven range pro comes knocking, there are a few precautionary steps you can take to ensure all installation goes smoothly:

Verify that your outlet type matches the approved types.

Empty & unplug your old oven.

Clear the path to the final spot as much as possible.

Tip: Everyone wants new, but you can vastly save on materials costs if you shop online for used oven/stove combos.

Dishwasher Installation Cost

Believe it or not, we can all live without a dishwasher. Yes, it may take much longer to wash and clean dishes, but if you get your hands dirty (literally), the job will get done. However, more often than not, many of us choose to install a dishwasher. Given their relatively low cost, many homeowners agree that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

While most people do not realize this, dishwashers are much more energy efficient than washing dishes by hand. Individuals use too much water and soap when washing their dishes by hand. Dishwashers have been proven to save about 5,000 gallons of water each year and up to $40 on utility bills. This equates to a savings of over $400 during the average life of a dishwasher. Because this easily falls within the average price range of purchasing a dishwasher, it is possible to break even on a dishwasher at the end of its life cycle.

According to our dishwasher installation cost guide, the average installation cost is roughly $700. As you can see, the price can range from $250 up to $1,000 with installation. As always, you can save money by purchasing a used dishwasher online by installing it on your own.

Before your dishwasher pro comes knocking, there are a few precautionary steps you can take to ensure all installation goes smoothly:

Measure your rough cabinet opening.

Verify your existing electrical and water connections.

Empty and unplug your old dishwasher.

Clear the path to the final spot as much as possible.

Plumbing

The layout of kitchens has drastically changed over the years. While the kitchen triangle is still important, many creative designers and homeowners have completely transformed kitchen layouts. As such, with any major kitchen remodel, you must consider plumbing costs. If you want to move your sink or dishwasher to the other side of the room, you may have to install new pipes. Additionally, for new sinks, you may have to add a new drain. While the costs are not large, they must be considered when researching kitchen remodeling costs.

Gas Lines

Much like your plumbing, gas lines may be moved during a major remodeling project. While you should certainly try to avoid, as it can add thousands to the overall project, just know that is can be done with an experience electrician.

Electrical

Just like plumbing, new electrical issues may come to light as soon as you take down a wall or two. Since you are already remodeling the kitchen, going into walls and moving large appliances around, you might as well tackle those longstanding electrical problems you’ve been putting off.

Additionally, you may have to move an outlet or two. As such, outlet installation must be considered. Below are some common electrical costs that may come up during your kitchen renovation:

How To Save Money On Your Kitchen Remodel

No matter your budget, there are always ways to save money on your kitchen remodel:

Mix & Match: Kitchen upgrades don’t always have to involve high-end features that all look the same. Mixing and matching materials, colors, designs and patterns will give your kitchen a brand new look without the extra money and fuss it takes to find identical styles.

Strategically Display & Decorate: There’s so much you can do to spruce up your kitchen when you put in the effort to decorate it nicely. A few ideas that are simple and budget-friendly include adding a colorful area rug, dressing up your walls with eye-catching images and adding greenery and fresh flowers.

Add Crown Molding: Crown molding is a beautiful decorative element that really boosts the overall appearance of the kitchen. It’s even a project you can DIY to add visual interest and value to your home. Luckily, there are a wide variety of crown molding styles to choose from.

Update Your Cabinets & Paint: Not replacing, but updating, refacing or refinishing your kitchen cabinets are all projects that’ll make your kitchen look better without breaking the bank. As you know, your cabinets take up a lot of real estate in your kitchen and set the tone for the rest of the room. A fresh coat of paint, both on the cabinets and the surrounding walls will do the trick.

Enhance Lighting: The two places in your home you want to make sure you have adequate lighting is in your kitchen and bathroom. Illuminate the space by layering your lighting and mixing in different styles and options for setting the mood.

Replace Your Sink, Faucet & Appliances: The most expensive appliances aren’t always the best choice. Experts say that midgrade name brand appliances are sturdy, functional and affordable units that get the job done just fine. Appraisers and buyers rarely value top-of-the line appliances at anything close to their purchase price.

Be Smart About Countertops: Selecting and purchasing new countertops is a big project, but there are ways to simplify the process. If you want new counters, but are worried about how much they cost, then consider materials that look nice but don’t come with a high price tag. Installing ceramic tile is a great choice for a budget-friendly kitchen countertop.

Upgrade Old Furniture: Take a good look around your kitchen and decide if there are old or outdated furniture pieces bringing down the look of the room. If so, consider buying new furniture, painting it or even building your own furniture.

DIY Kitchen Projects

The kitchen is vital to the whole house, but that doesn’t mean you can’t DIY a project or two. As such, the following are easy kitchen DIY projects you can complete in one afternoon:

Deep Clean Your Kitchen

A great way to update your kitchen doesn’t have to involve hefty tools or paint brushes. Sometimes, all a kitchen may need is a thorough deep clean to look like new. Think beyond the dirty dishes. Are there areas of your kitchen that you tend to neglect? It’s a good idea to give your kitchen a deep clean at least twice a year. Here are some areas you may want to consider:

Inside of the oven

Stovetop

Sink Drain

Garbage Disposal

Inside The Stove Hood

Refrigerator Trays

Dishwasher

Cabinets

Stainless Steel Appliances

Fresh Coat Of Paint

The color of your kitchen can entice you to get in there and cook or, order out as much as possible. However, you can change your kitchen color without painting the entire room a new color. Consider including a colorful or patterned accent wall in your kitchen. This is an easy paint project that will take a shorter time to complete, as opposed to painting the entire room. It’s also a good way to test a color you love and see if it works in the space.

If you’re considering painting your kitchen, create your budget and get to work. The average cost to paint a home interior is $1,655, depending on the size. You can significantly cut costs by making this a DIY project.

Update Kitchen Cabinets

Similarly, you can update your kitchen by changing the color of your cabinets. You don’t need a complete remodel to update the look. You can paint your cabinets and make them look like new again! While you can likely complete the painting in an afternoon, it may take a day or two to dry completely. Remember this as you’re planning your paint project. See our tutorial on the Best Way To Paint Kitchen Cabinets.

Another way to update your cabinets is by styling the inside. You can add a bit of color to the room every time you open to grab a dish. It’s a great place to add a bright color if you’re not ready to take the risk on your walls. This is also an ideal technique if you have open shelving.

Hang Your Pots & Pans

Looking to add style to your kitchen while saving space? Hang your pots and pans from an unused space like a bare wall, a cabinet, or even from the ceiling. You’ll need a suitable hanging system. If you plan on using a wall, a rod and s-hooks should be enough to securely hold your cookware.

If you’re looking to utilize your ceiling, you’ll need to search for a hanging pot rack that fits your space. These use S-hooks, similarly to wall systems. Whatever you choose, the hard work comes in when it’s time to install. Make sure you have the materials necessary for your product to safely install.

Decorate Your Drawers

Your drawers don’t have to be drab! Similarly to the inside of your cabinets, you can decorate your drawers as well. Adding drawer liner is simple and will give them a unique look every time you reach for silverware. Of course, there are drawer liners sold in stores that are easy to apply, but those don’t often include a decorative element. If you’re looking to style your drawers with a unique pattern, try using fabric. Using fabric will also last longer than paper or other liner options. See Handmade Charlotte’s full tutorial on lining your drawers with fabric.

Final Questions to Ask Before Kitchen Remodel

After you determine your budget, there are still plenty of questions you must answer before starting any kitchen renovation project. The below questions will not only clear your mind and simplify the entire process, but save you both time and money in the long run.

1. What Do I Like About Other Kitchens or My Current Kitchen?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. It can hit you in the car, while watching HGTV, hanging out at friend’s place or just browsing Pinterest. No matter where you get it from, make sure you’re noting what you like and dislike.

Before any remodel, everyone has a rough idea of what they want the final product to be. Sadly, we can’t always see an exact replica of what we have on our mind. Therefore, when you see a kitchen design, appliance or layout you like, take a picture, save a pin or do whatever you can to not lose that image. If you’re meeting with a kitchen designer, show them everything you saved. It will undoubtedly make the process much easier.

2. How Will I Use My Future Kitchen?

Homeowners use kitchens in different ways. For those of you who eat out a lot, don’t have children or prefer to go to other housewarming parties may not have use for an open layout or large kitchen island. In essence, if you don’t use the kitchen that often, it may make more sense to invest your money elsewhere in the home (that is, unless you’re selling soon).

On the other side of the spectrum, those homeowners who like to cook, host dinner parties or have small children would greatly benefit from an open kitchen layout with a large island.

Open concepts not only make the room feel bigger, but also give you a clear sight into the living room, where your little ones are most likely running around. Open floor plans give any mom or dad that extra sense of safety knowing they can always have an eye on the kids.

How you use your kitchen also affects how long you can last without a working kitchen. Believe it or not, kitchen remodels can get very dirty, chaotic and loud. As you can imagine, such an area does not lend itself to a family that cooks and eats every meal at home.

Therefore, if you’re planning a large kitchen remodeling project, prepare to eat out or even move out. It may sound scary and expensive to move out of your home, but believe it or not, you could end up saving money and reducing the overall completion time. You’re giving the contractor more freedom and space to complete the project faster. It eliminates a lot of cleaning they would have to do if you were occupying the home.

ImproveNet has heard from homeowners who originally tried to live through the kitchen remodel, but ended up moving out in the middle. If you use your kitchen a lot, it’s not worth living through a dirty and messy kitchen renovation.

4. When Do I Plan to Sell?

This question was already discussed above, but it deserves repeating. All homeowners must keep their five-year plan in mind as you plan your kitchen remodel. If you plan on living in the home for more than five years, remodel and decorate however you wish. If you plan on selling soon, keep trends and neutral designs in mind. While you may love an orange accent wall, chances are, potential buyers will not.

Kitchen Inspiration

As noted above, one can gather kitchen inspiration from a myriad of places. Before you check out Pinterest, friends’ homes other home remodeling websites, we wanted to leave you with 10 kitchen color schemes that undoubtedly work and should be considered before any kitchen remodel.